Funeral and memorial services are a time for reflection, introspection and thoughtful contemplation. It’s also a time for those who cared about the one who has passed to recall and treasure their personal memories. Below are some ideas to help those who are planning the gathering, to create a unique and positive experience for those who attend.
Create a Memory Tree
These days we often see memory tables or photo displays at farewell services, but why not create something new and lasting. Start a memory tree that those in attendance can help to create. You can use either a real tree (to be planted later) or an artificial one, and invite guests to attach photographs, messages or mementos to the branches. Later, you can gather all the items in a special memory box to look back on in the future. Be sure to let friends and loved ones know about the tree ahead of time so they can bring their mementos to the service.
Hold a Volunteer Event in Their Honor
Helping others is a wonderful way to honor a loved one. Look for volunteer opportunities to support a cause or organization that was close to their heart and invite others to participate. Get a group together to take part in a cancer, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, pediatric illness or other type of walk. Host an event to benefit a local animal shelter, homeless facility or other local cause that was dear to them. Gather a group to visit an area elderly facility at holiday time, in their honor.
Complete Something From Their Busket List
Celebrate the dreams of your loved one by completing one or two of their busket list items. This could include things like traveling to a place they always wanted to visit, running a marathon or completing something they started, attending a specific sporting event or even learning a new skill that was of particular interest to them.
Hold a Memorial with These Special Additions
- Create a memorial website
- Have a candle lighting ceremony
- Create a memorial video and hold a screening
- Host a book club involving books they loved
- Organize a memorial picnic
- Create an event with live music they loved
Every one of us is unique and distinctive. Think of ways to incorporate those things that were of specific interest to your loved one and come up with a remarkeable way to highlight what made him or her one of a kind.
